'Dude is so unserious': RFK Jr faces backlash for seeking endorsement of Alaskan Independence Party after calling it 'treasonous cabal'

FAIRBANKS, ALASKA: In a surprising turn of events, Robert F Kennedy Jr., son of the late Senator Robert F Kennedy, is courting the support of the controversial Alaskan Independence Party (AIP) in a bid to secure a spot on the Alaska ballot.

The move has raised eyebrows and stirred controversy, given Kennedy's past criticisms of the party and its ideologies.

A shift in strategy

Kennedy's interest in the AIP stems from his campaign's efforts to secure ballot access in multiple states.

While officially only on the ballot in Utah, Kennedy has reportedly gathered the necessary signatures to appear on the ballots in New Hampshire, Nevada, Hawaii, North Carolina, Idaho, and Nebraska. Seeking the AIP's backing could potentially bolster his chances of appearing on the ballot in Alaska.

The Alaskan Independence Party, founded by Joe Vogler, has a contentious history marked by its advocacy for Alaska's secession from the United States. Vogler, before his death, famously declared his disdain for the American government, stating, "The fires of hell are frozen glaciers compared to my hatred for the American government."

Kennedy - in a 2008 HuffPost op-ed titled 'Alaskan Independence Party: The Last Refuge of a Scoundrel' - lambasted Sarah Palin for her ties to the party, criticizing her for failing to denounce Vogler's anti-American sentiments.

Furthermore, Kennedy called the AIP a “treasonous cabal” whose members “aim to break our country into pieces and walk away with Alaska’s rich federal oil fields and one-fifth of America’s land base — an area three-fourths the size of the Civil War Confederacy.”

Despite Kennedy's previous condemnation of the AIP, recent developments suggest a shift in strategy.

Negotiations and radio appearances

Kennedy engaged in negotiations with AIP officials for six weeks, culminating in his appearance on Bob Bird's radio show, 'The Talk of the Kenai'. Bird, the current chair of the AIP, hosted Kennedy on his program, providing a platform for the candidate to address party members ahead of their nominating convention.

“We were sympathetic to him because of what we consider to be a very courageous stand about COVID, and also about the weaponization of the Justice Department and the southern border,” Bird told Rolling Stone. “The AIP is not in favor of American overseas adventurism with the military, either.”

During the radio interview, Bird questioned Kennedy about Alaska's statehood and the AIP's claims regarding the illegality of Alaska's induction into the Union.

"I'm not familiar with the claim," Kennedy responded. "The federal government should keep its word. If there's a commitment the federal government made that it didn't live up to, I'd want to know about it and figure out how to make it right."

Kennedy's campaign sought to clarify their stance, asserting that the radio interview should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of the AIP's platform. 

“Mr. Kennedy’s interview was consistent with his efforts, since the start of this campaign, to reach across the divide that separates Americans and try to end the polarization and the rancor,” campaign press secretary Stefanie Spear said.

She added that the campaign “is working to collect the needed signatures to get Mr. Kennedy on the ballot as an independent candidate not affiliated with any party.”

Social media backlash

However, Kennedy's apparent pivot towards the AIP has sparked criticism on social media, with some users accusing him of hypocrisy for seeking support from a party he once labeled a "treasonous cabal."

"Truly a man who has no bottom," one posted on X.

"This dude is so unserious. He’s literally running as a spoiler candidate," another wrote.

"Is anyone really surprised?" someone else added.

"RFK Jr has become a Kremlin stooge, so he'll naturally support a party that is trying to break Alaska from the USA," another alleged.

The AIP's nominating convention is slated for Saturday, April 13, at the Roundup Steakhouse & Saloon in Fairbanks.

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